Lighting Duration

[JLight]

I've been running my lights for about 9.5 hours per day on my 75 and about 7 hours per day on my 20. I've had some problems with algae in the 75 and was wondering if my lights are the problem? Ive tested phosphates and got a low reading but thats probably from the algae consuming it. And ive recently started running biopellets to try to get rid of phosphates. But my question to you guys is how long do you guys generally run your lights? Daylights and atinics.

 

[mike007]

Blues are ran 1 hour before main lights and 1 hour after. Main lights run for 8 hours.

 

[JLight]

Is there any range to an acceptable time frame? or is it just based on preference?

 

[NanaReefer]

Think natural nature

 

[JLight]

so around 8 hours per day? Im not sure how long the sun is up in tropical oceans since I'm from upstate New York and it gets dark around 5pm :tongue:

 

[mike007]

You have to see how your corals are responding they will let you know what they like. I run very strong leds and i have no algae issues. If you are having algae problems it could be caused by a mumber of issues. What lights are you running?

 

[JLight]

Im running chinese full spectrum leds. I think they are 120 watts. All my corals are growing awesome and seem to be doing perfect. Just curious to see what other people are running.

 

[mike007]

Cool it sounds like everything is good.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I recall having read somewhere that the zooxanthellae in our corals can only process light (photosynthesis) for 3-5 hours before they shut down. And that there was some kind of 'start up' time required (30-60 minutes?) where the zooxanthellae produce carbon dioxide needed so the chlorophyll can start the photosynthesis process. I can't find the article at the moment... I need to just start my own 'Light" library. :nerd:

So anything more than about 6 hours of midday PAR is NOT used by the coral. But that also does NOT mean that it is in anyway harmful.

 

[JLight]

I recall having read somewhere that the zooxanthellae in our corals can only process light (photosynthesis) for 3-5 hours before they shut down. And that there was some kind of 'start up' time required (30-60 minutes?) where the zooxanthellae produce carbon dioxide needed so the chlorophyll can start the photosynthesis process. I can't find the article at the moment... I need to just start my own 'Light" library. :nerd:

So anything more than about 6 hours of midday PAR is NOT used by the coral. But that also does NOT mean that it is in anyway harmful.

That's what I was looking for! Thanks alot!